November 22 in Orthodoxy celebrate the Day of Matryona Winter (Tsargrad). It is believed that winter is gaining strength on this day. A service is held in the church in memory of Matrona of Constantinople. Believers believe that in heaven she helps the winter get back on its feet and calls cold and frost as helpers. This explains the peasants of the frequent windy weather on November 22.
According to the signs for November 22, they analyze the weather conditions, and try to predict what winter and spring will be like.
Customs
On November 22, peasants are trying to adhere to a number of customs in order to maintain wealth and family luck in the house.
On this day, alms and alms are distributed, as well as clothes and shoes to those in need. On the eve of November 22, happy housewives sort out stocks of things and distribute the excess. In order not to take personal happiness and family well-being out of the house, only washed clothes are given. If the hostess gives the old, but not washed, thing, it will bring trouble to the house.
Herbalists start talking loosestrife (ivan-tea and plakun-willow). Conspiracies are believed to give the herb its healing power. It is used to interact with nature and in search of treasure.
In the morning, the family sits down at the table and has a tea party with herbs. People believe that on November 22, herbs have the maximum healing power and cure diseases.
Dreams on November 22 are considered prophetic, so in the evening they make a wish, the answer to which they want to see in a dream. It is believed that such a dream should come true before dinner.
Signs
Folk omens for November 22 predict the weather and harvest for the next year.
- if there is frost in the morning, next year there will be a rich harvest of oats;
- it started raining in the morning – a sign promises a good wheat harvest;
- snowfall in the morning – by rainy May;
- by signs, frost on tree branches promises severe frosts;
- if there is frost and fog on November 22 – expect a thaw in the coming days;
- ducks swim in a pond or geese come out on the ice – a sign predicts a long heat;
- it's cloudy outside and it's snowing – May will be rainy;
- according to your opinion, if the cherry has not dropped all the leaves, it will still be warm;
- if it is frosty during the day and warm in the evening, wait for the cold;
- clear weather on November 22 will last for another three weeks.
Icon of the Mother of God of Hearts
On November 22, Orthodox Christians all over the world pray to the icon of the Mother of God the Hearing Hearts. It is believed that the image helps people with a bright heart and pure soul who need support and help. Church ministers use the face to cast out demons or help in tragic events.
Before giving birth, women turn to the help of the Mother of God in order to safely give birth to a healthy baby. They call out to the icon for help to the child on the path of life.
Believers turn to the holy face to receive support and guidance in their endeavors. The image of the Mother of God Quick-to-Hearing pray for the healing of diseases and accompaniment on a long journey.
In order for the Mother of God to hear faster, it is necessary to substitute a lighted candle in front of the icon and read a prayer. The main thing is not to think about the bad before the image and talk about emotional experiences with a pure heart.
Matrona of Constantinople
Believers honor on this day the memory of the Venerable Matrona of Constantinople, who, being married, decided to devote herself to God. She left her family and went to the monastery, disguised as a eunuch so that her husband could not find her. There she lived for a long time until the deception was revealed, and Matrona was sent to a convent. There she lived in piety, became abbess, helped the poor and supported those in need until the end of her life.
Matrona of Moscow
November 22 – the birthday of St. Blessed Matrona of Moscow (1881). The saint had a congenital anomaly of the eyes and could not see. From the age of 8, she began to predict the future and treat the sick. After her death, people go to her grave and talk about her sorrows. The Orthodox believe that Matrona hears appeals and helps.
According to legend, in 1899, during a pilgrimage, she met St. John of Kronstadt, who named her his successor. Matrona was canonized by the Orthodox Church in 1999.
Name days November 22
According to the popular calendar, name days on November 22 are celebrated by men baptized with the name – Alexander, Anton, Victor, Ivan, Ilya, Konstantin, Timofey, Fedor and Semyon, women – Matryona and Eustolia.
November 22 is considered a sacred day for those in need. On this day, peasants pray for prosperity and family well-being, and those asking for protection and intercession can count on God's help and blessing.
